Funeral services for Sherm Nelson, 87 of Aurelia, will be Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at 11:00 A. M. at the First Church of Christ in Cherokee, with Pastor Tom Lewis officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, rural Aurelia. Visitation will be at the Church on Tuesday from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., with the family present from 5:00 to 8:00. The Redig Funeral Home in Aurelia is in charge of arrangements.
Sherm passed away peacefully on March 19, 2016 at the Sunset Knoll Retirement Home in Aurelia, Iowa.
Harley Sherm Nelson was born at home on the family’s farm near Aurelia in Cherokee County, Iowa, to George E. and Elsie L. (Adamson) Nelson on August 22, 1928. His preferred name was Sherm. His childhood and his farming career took place in the Aurelia area. In 1946 he graduated from Aurelia High School and continued his education at Iowa State for two more years. After his second year of college, he served in the National Guard.
Sherm met his wife Joanne Kolb of Holstein, Iowa and married her on February 7, 1953. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage together. Sherm found farming to be a great pleasure which he continued until 1994, when he and Joanne moved from the farm into the town of Aurelia. Tilling the earth, watching and waiting for the harvest was a special joy to Sherm. He was also appreciative of the warmth of the small town of Aurelia and the many friends and neighbors he had in the area.
During his life, Sherm was involved in many activities, serving on the school board, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative Board, Aurelia Heritage Society Board, and as Deacon at the Church of Christ in Cherokee.
Sherm also enjoyed following the Iowa State Cyclone sporting events, but his greatest joy was his family. Spending time with his loved ones brought him much pleasure and provided great memories. Making homemade ice cream with his grandchildren was a frequent and special occasion for him.
His wife Joanne of Aurelia, and his children Kim and her husband Wade Darrow of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Polly and her husband Guy Fishman of Aurelia, and Becky and her husband Kim Phelps of Lincoln, Nebraska, are left to enjoy special memories. The loss of his son Greg in 1995 was a difficult time for Sherm and his family. Grandchildren include Juliana Darrow, Joe and wife Elise Darrow, Olivia Darrow, Leah Fishman, Diana Fishman, Laura and husband Matt Moss, Matt Phelps, Collin Phelps and fiancé Melissa, and Caitlin Phelps. Sherm was blessed to enjoy two great-grandaughters, Harper and Cortland Moss.
Also cherishing memories of Sherm are family members Darlene Nelson, Betty Nelson, Dave (Kay) Colby, Joy Michaelsen, Mary Lou Messick, and Nancy (Curt) Rupert.
Preceding Sherm in death were his parents, son Greg, two brothers; Dean and Ron, and sister DeOn.
Sherm loved the song “When We All Get To Heaven” and his family finds comfort in knowing that there will be a “family reunion” in heaven one day.